Signal interconnect incorporating multiple modular units

ABSTRACT

An interconnect element incorporates a plurality of smaller, substantially identical, interconnect modules. Multiple identical elements can in turn be combined to form larger interconnect networks. Signal paths in the elements can be implemented with optical fibers or electrical conductors.

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/222,352, filed Aug. 1, 2000, and entitled Building Large Optical Interconnect From Smaller Modular Units.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention pertains to optical cross-connect switches. More particularly, the invention pertains to such switches which incorporate modular interconnect fabrics.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Optical switches are known and are useful in implementing optical communications networks using fiberoptic transmission lines. In such networks, it is at times necessary to switch the optical signals between optical transmission paths.

[0004] One known type of optical switch is an optical cross-connect switch. In such switches, in a general case, any one of N input lines can be coupled to any one of N output lines.

[0005] One known type of cross-connect switch 10 is implementable using the Spanke architecture illustrated in FIG. 1. In a Spanke architecture with N inputs and N outputs, N1×N switches 12 a, b, c, . . . n are connected by an interconnect fabric 16 to N1×N output switches 18 a, b . . . n.

[0006] The interconnect fabric 16 has N2 total static connections. One connection is between each input-output pair of switches. Therefore, an N×N fabric has a total of N² fibers with N² inputs and N² outputs.

[0007] Insertion loss is a major concern in optical cross-connect switches. Although a single stage Spanke design can achieve small insertion loss, this solution creates yet another problem: namely, the difficulty of creating the large interconnecting fabric because the fabric contains N² connections.

[0008] Methods are known to implement small interconnect fabrics. For example, pre-routed fibers can be sandwiched between flexible plastic sheets sometimes called optical flypapers. They are however very difficult to create for N>32. Alternately, the interconnections can be made from N² individual fibers. However, this solution is time consuming to build and difficult to maintain.

[0009] There thus continues to be a need to be able to cost effectively design and implement larger cross connect switches of various sizes. It would be especially advantageous if it would not be necessary to custom create a different interconnect networks for each switch. Preferably, a known interconnect design can be reliably and cost effectively manufactured and could be used to implement a variety of switches.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A recursive process for creating large signal interconnects from a plurality of smaller, standardized, interconnect modules, which could incorporate individual optical fibers or electrical conductors, produces interconnect systems for specific applications using only standard modular building blocks. In accordance with the method, a first modular K×K interconnect network having K² signal carriers is defined and implemented. For L inputs, $\frac{L}{K}$

[0011] input groups are formed. For M outputs, $\frac{M}{k}$

[0012] output groups are defined.

[0013] A plurality of $\left( {\frac{L}{K} \times \frac{M}{K}} \right)$

[0014] of the first modular interconnects can be used to form an L×M passive interconnect network having L×M signal carriers.

[0015] A plurality of the L×M, modular interconnects, all of which are substantially identical, and all of which are based upon multiples of the basic K×K modular interconnect can be combined to form a larger N×N interconnect. For example, where L=M, and where N is an integer multiple of M, $\frac{N}{M}$

[0016] input groups and $\frac{N}{M}$

[0017] output groups result in $\left( \frac{N}{M} \right)^{2}$

[0018] M×M modules being needed to implement the N×N connectivity. This type of network is especially desirable in that economies of scale in manufacturing, reliability and inventory can be achieved since N×N networks for various values of N can be implemented using multiple, identical K×K basic building blocks which in turn form the larger M×M assemblies which are combined to make the N×N networks.

[0019] In one embodiment, an N×N cross-connect switch incorporates a plurality of substantially identical interconnect modules. A plurality of input switches is coupled to N² inputs to the modules. A plurality of output switches is coupled to N² output sides of the modules.

[0020] In one aspect, the switches can be divided into groups with one set of groups associated with the input sides of some of the modules and another set of groups associated with the output sides.

[0021] In another aspect, a switch requiring N inputs and N outputs can be implemented with multiple identical modules that have K² inputs and K² outputs. The number of required modules is (N/K)². In such configurations, the connectivity between the interconnect, a plurality of 1×N input switches and a plurality of N×1 output switches can be implemented using optical ribbon cables. The pluralities of switches each contain N switches.

[0022] Interconnect modules can be implemented with optical transmitting fibers. Alternately, they could be implemented with electrical conductors.

[0023] A method of implementing an N×N cross-connect switch includes establishing a K×K modular interconnect where K<N. Providing $\left( \frac{N}{K} \right)^{2}$

[0024] interconnect modules. Coupling N² inputs to and receiving N² outputs from the modules.

[0025] In yet another aspect, interconnects, implemented from pluralities of smaller interconnect modules can in turn become modular building blocks for even larger interconnect fabrics. In accordance herewith M×M fabrics can be implemented with smaller N×N building blocks. In one embodiment, M is an integer multiple of N.

[0026] Non-symmetrical switches with N1 inputs and N2 outputs can be implemented using K×K interconnect modules where K<N1 and K<N2. With $\frac{N1}{K}$

[0027] input groups and $\frac{N2}{K}$

[0028] output groups, $\left( {\frac{N1}{K} \times \frac{N2}{K}} \right)$

[0029] interconnect modules will be required.

[0030] Numerous other advantages and features of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the embodiments thereof, from the claims and from the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031]FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematic of a known cross-connect switch;

[0032]FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematic of a modular cross-connect switch in accordance with the present invention;

[0033]FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of a modular K×K interconnect module usable in the switch of FIG. 2;

[0034]FIG. 3 is a more detailed schematic diagram of a portion of the switch of FIG. 2 illustrating, in part, connectivity therein in more detail; and

[0035]FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematic of a larger interconnect network incorporating two levels of interconnect modules in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there are shown in the drawing and will be described herein in detail specific embodiments thereof with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.

[0037]FIG. 2 illustrates a 12×12 cross-connect switch 30 in accordance with the present invention. It will be understood that while switch 30 has been illustrated for exemplary purposes as a 12×12 cross-connect switch, the number of inputs and the number of outputs is not limited to 12 and could be N≧12. It will be also understood that the inputs to and outputs from the switch 30 could be light beams or could be electrical signals without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0038] Switch 30 includes N input switches 32 a . . . 32 n. In the illustrated embodiment, N=12, there would be 12 input switches each of which would be a 1×N type of switch, such as a 1×12 switch. The switch 30 also includes N, N×1 output switches 34 a . . . 34 n. In the illustrated example in FIG. 2, there would be 12 such output switches which would have 12 inputs and one output at each switch.

[0039] The input switches and the output switches are coupled together by a plurality 30′ of substantially identical, static, modular K×K interconnect elements 36 a . . . 36 l, K<N. The number of elements is, $\left( \frac{N}{K} \right)^{2}.$

[0040] . Where N=12 and K=4, then nine 4×4 interconnect elements are required.

[0041] Each modular K×K, interconnect element has K² inputs and K² outputs. A representative 4×4 modular interconnect element, such as element 36 i, having 16 inputs that are coupled to 16 outputs is illustrated in FIG. 2A. Such modules include a plurality of pre-routed signal carriers 36 i-1 optical fibers or electrical conductors. Sixteen signal carriers, for the illustrated 4×4 module, are sandwiched between a pair of plastic sheets, or attached to a single sheet, 36 i-2.

[0042] A first plurality of four, 4-way connectors 36 i-3 and a second plurality of four, 4-way connectors 36 i-4 complete the module. the connectors can be individual or multi-path connectors.

[0043] The switch 30, as noted previously has, $\left( \frac{N}{K} \right)^{2}$

[0044] interconnect elements, for example, nine 4×4 elements 36 a, b . . . 36 l. The input switches are organized into $\left( \frac{N}{K} \right)$

[0045] groups, namely 3 groups. With $\left( \frac{N}{K} \right)$

[0046] groups, each K×K interconnect module connects a single input group to a single output group with $\left( \frac{N}{K} \right)^{2}$

[0047] group pairs, the number of K×K interconnect modules.

[0048] Each group of K fibers such as 40 a, 42 a can be formed of individual fibers, or, of K-wide fiber ribbon cables having K-wide multi-fiber optical connectors.

[0049] Each group includes, for K=4, four 1×12 input switches such as 32 a, 32 b, 32 c, 32 d. Groups of K fibers, such as fiber groups 40 a, 40 b, 40 c are coupled to K respective inputs each of interconnect elements 36 a, 36 b and 36 c. With respect to input switch 32 n, 3 groups of K fibers, 40 l, 40 m, 40 n, where K=4, are coupled to respective inputs of K×K fabric interconnect modules 36 j, 36 k, 36 l. FIG. 3 illustrates in more detail connections for a portion of the exemplary switch 30.

[0050] Output switches 34 a, 34 b, 34 c, 34 d receive groups of fibers, 42 a, 42 b, 42 c, and 42 d, where K=4, from K×K interconnect module 36 a. In the same way, K×K interconnect module 36 l is coupled via groups of K fibers, such as 42 k, 42 l, 42 m and 42 n to 1×N, illustrated as 1×12, output switches 34 k, 34 l, 34 m, 34 n.

[0051] The architecture of switches such as switch 30 in FIG. 2 is expandable and variable depending on the value of N and the value of K. As an alternate, if N=128 and K=32, the number of interconnect modules $\left( \frac{N}{K} \right)^{2}$

[0052] is 16. In this instance, each interconnect module would have K² or 32² inputs and the same number of outputs.

[0053] The use of multiple, smaller, modular interconnect elements, as illustrated in FIG. 2, makes it possible to build interconnects where N is a large number, such as for example 128 or larger, using only a plurality of K×K modular interconnect units to form an interconnecting sheet. All of the units can be manufactured so as to be substantially identical.

[0054] While the K×K modules 36 a . . . 36 l as disclosed in FIG. 2 can incorporate a plurality of optical fiber lines, similar interconnects could be implemented using, modular electrical conductors. The above described signal carrier management process produces interconnects quite unlike the prior art of either a single pre-routed fabric of N² fibers or N² individual fibers.

[0055] The ability to implement increasingly larger switches using pluralities of a common interconnect module, to form interconnecting sheets, has important manufacturing, inventory control and quality control consequences. Only one, or at most a few, standard fiber or wire interconnect modules need be manufactured. Hence, the manufacturing process can be optimized to produce a few different types of modules. Since manufacturing turn around time can be minimized, less inventory needs to be maintained. Finally, quality control can be improved, and enhanced since fewer configurations are being created.

[0056] Common interconnect modules are also advantageous from a maintenance point of view. In case of a cut or failed fiber or wire only that respective modular interconnect element need be replaced.

[0057] The K×K interconnect modules of FIG. 2 can be used to implement non-symmetrical switches. For example, with N1 inputs and N2 outputs, $\frac{N1}{K}$

[0058] input groups and $\frac{N2}{K}$

[0059] output groups can be defined. These result in $\left( {\frac{N1}{K} \times \frac{N2}{K}} \right)$

[0060] input/output group pairs and interconnect modules to implement the required network. Input switches and output switches can be coupled to the network.

[0061]FIG. 4 illustrates an even larger M×M interconnect 50. Where M is an integer multiple of N, the interconnect 50 can be implemented using a plurality of N×N interconnect modules, such as the module 30′-i which corresponds to interconnect 30′ of FIG. 2. The recursive application of the modules 30′, which in turn are based upon the smaller K×K submodules of FIG. 2, makes the construction of even larger interconnects practical as they are all ultimately based on two modular interconnect elements.

[0062] One modular building block is the basic k×k modular fabric element, such as the element 36 a or 36 l illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. A second modular building block is the N×N composite fabric element 30′ provided that M is an integer multiple of N. If desired, multiple modular M×M interconnects an be combined into yet a larger network.

[0063] As illustrated in FIG. 4, in the network 50, groups of N signal carriers, such as the groups 52 a, 52 b . . . 52 n coupled to interconnect module 30′-1 are combined with groups of N carriers coupled to other modules such as 30′-2 . . . 30′k to form the composite M×M interconnecting sheet 50. With N carriers in a group, there will be $\frac{M}{N}$

[0064] groups resulting in $\left( \frac{M}{N} \right)^{2}$

[0065] interconnect modules, such as the module 30′-1 being required. Each N×N interconnect module connects

[0066] a single input group of N to a single output group with $\left( \frac{M}{N} \right)^{2}$

[0067] group pairs. Those of skill will understand that the interconnect 50 could be combined with appropriate types of input/output switches as discussed previously with respect to FIG. 2.

[0068] It will also be understood that the M×M interconnect modules 50 can be similarly combined, as discussed above to create larger interconnect networks, again from a plurality of substantially identical M×M modules.

[0069] From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred. It is, of course, intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims. 

What is claimed:
 1. An apparatus for coupling N inputs to N outputs comprising: a plurality of separate, substantially identical, static K×K interconnect networks wherein the plurality has a total of at least N² discrete signal carrying inputs and N² discrete signal carrying outputs with K<N, wherein $\frac{N}{K}$

networks are each coupled to K inputs.
 2. An apparatus as in claim 1 which includes K, 1-to-N input switches coupled between K inputs and the $\frac{N}{K}$

networks.
 3. An apparatus as in claim 2 which includes N output switches coupled between $\left( \frac{N}{K} \right)^{2}$

networks and N outputs.
 4. An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein $\left( \frac{N}{K} \right)^{2}$

networks are coupled between the inputs and outputs.
 5. An apparatus as in claim 2 wherein connectivity between the inputs, networks and outputs is symmetrical relative to a selected centerline.
 6. An apparatus as in claim 5 wherein the networks comprise optical transmission paths.
 7. An apparatus as in claim 6 wherein N optical input switches are coupled to the plurality of networks.
 8. An apparatus as in claim 7 wherein N optical output switches are coupled to the plurality of networks.
 9. An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein K different sources are coupled to K² network inputs and K different outputs are coupled to K² network outputs.
 10. A modular cross-connect switch having N inputs independently connectable to N outputs, the switch comprising: a plurality of substantially identical static interconnect modules wherein each module has K² inputs connected to K² outputs, wherein K<N; and wherein the plurality comprises $\left( \frac{N}{K} \right)^{2}$

modules.
 11. A switch as in claim 10 wherein the modules are each implemented with a second plurality of substantially identical static interconnect modules wherein each module of the second plurality has less than K inputs.
 12. A switch as in claim 10 which includes a plurality of input switches coupled to the interconnect modules.
 13. A switch as in claim 12 wherein the input switches comprise 1×N input switches.
 14. A switch as in claim 13 wherein the input switches form $\frac{N}{K}$

groups.
 15. A switch as in claim 14 wherein the plurality of interconnect modules forms $\frac{N}{K}$

groups.
 16. A switch as in claim 10 wherein the interconnect modules each comprise one of a plurality of optical transmission paths and a plurality of electrical transmission paths.
 17. A switch as in claim 16 which includes a first plurality of optical switches coupled to input sides of the modules.
 18. A switch as in claim 17 which includes a second plurality of optical switches coupled to output sides of the modules.
 19. A switch as in claim 18 wherein at least the first plurality includes N switches.
 20. A method of implementing an N×N cross-connect switch comprising: selecting a value for N; selecting a value for K<N; providing a plurality of identical K×K static cross-connect modules; coupling N inputs to the plurality ; and coupling N outputs from the plurality.
 21. A method as in claim 20 wherein the providing step includes providing $\left( \frac{N}{K} \right)^{2}$

modules
 22. A method as in claim 20 which includes coupling $\frac{N}{K}$

groups of input switches to the modules.
 23. A method as in claim 20 which includes coupling K input switches to a group of modules from the plurality.
 24. A method as in claim 23 which includes dividing the plurality of modules into $\frac{N}{K}$

groups.
 25. A method as in claim 23 which includes coupling N output switches to the plurality.
 26. A method as in claim 20 which includes coupling $\frac{N}{K}$

groups of input switches only to respective groups of cross-connect modules.
 27. A method as in claim 26 which includes coupling a plurality of output switches between the members of different groups of modules.
 28. A method as in claim 20 which includes replacing a defective module with a module substantially identical to other members of the plurality of modules.
 29. A method as in claim 20 which includes providing K² optical transmission paths in each interconnect module.
 30. A modular connecting network comprising: M input ports; M output ports; a plurality of substantially identical static N×N interconnect blocks where N<M wherein the blocks are coupled between the input ports and the output ports, wherein each block includes a plurality of substantially identical K×K interconnect modules.
 31. A network as in claim 30 wherein M is an integer multiple of N.
 32. A network as in claim 30 wherein the interconnect modules each comprise K² separate transmission paths.
 33. A network as in claim 32 wherein the transmission paths comprise one of static, optical fibers or static electrical conductors.
 34. An apparatus formed of interconnect modules wherein for N² inputs and N² outputs the apparatus comprises: $\left( \frac{N}{K} \right)^{2}$

substantially identical modular signal interconnect networks wherein each network includes K² inputs and K² outputs where each input is connected to one output and wherein signals are transferred between inputs and respective outputs by one of optical fibers or electrical conductors.
 35. An apparatus as in claim 34 which includes a plurality of 1×N switches coupled to inputs to the modules.
 36. An apparatus as in claim 34 which includes a plurality of N×1 switches coupled to outputs to the modules.
 37. An apparatus as in claim 35 which includes a control circuit coupled to each of the switches.
 38. An apparatus as in claim 37 which includes a plurality of N×1 switches coupled to outputs to the modules and to the control circuit.
 39. An apparatus as in claim 35 wherein the plurality of 1×N switches comprises $\frac{N}{K}$

groups of switches.
 40. An apparatus as in claim 36 wherein the plurality of N×1 switches comprises $\frac{N}{K}$

groups of switches.
 41. A signal coupling network for coupling any one of N1 inputs to any one of N2 outputs comprising: a plurality of substantially identical, static, K×K signal interconnect modules wherein each receives K² input signals, where K<N1, and couples them to K² outputs.
 42. A network as in claim 41 wherein the plurality comprises $\left( {\frac{N1}{K} \times \frac{N2}{K}} \right)$

modules.
 43. A network as in claim 41 which includes N1 input switches.
 44. A network as in claim 43 which includes N2 output switches coupled to the plurality.
 45. A method of creating an interconnect apparatus having L inputs and N outputs comprising: forming a first plurality of K×K substantially identical, static interconnect modules for coupling K² input signals to K² output ports wherein the signals can be one of an optical signal or an electrical signal; and arranging selected members of the first plurality to form at least one L×N interconnect module wherein each L×N interconnect module includes $\left( {\frac{L}{K} \times \frac{N}{K}} \right)$

modules from the first plurality.
 46. A method as in claim 45 which includes forming a second plurality of L×N interconnect modules.
 47. A method as in claim 46 wherein L=N.
 48. A method as in claim 47 wherein selected members of the second plurality are arranged to form a third plurality of M×M interconnect modules wherein each M×M interconnect module includes $\left( \frac{M}{N} \right)^{2}$

modules from the second plurality.
 49. A method as in claim 47 which includes selecting a member of the second plurality and coupling a set of input switches and output switches to the member thereby forming an N×N switch.
 50. An interconnect network allocation method comprising: selecting 1 inputs and N outputs; defining a first modular K×K interconnect having K² signal carriers with K<L and K<N; establishing a plurality of input signal carrier groups, $\frac{L}{K}$

and output signal groups $\frac{N}{K};$

; establishing a plurality of $\left( {\frac{L}{K} \times \frac{N}{K}} \right)$

first modular interconnects to provide connectivity between L² input signals and N² output signals thereby forming a second modular L×N interconnect network having (L×N) signal carriers.
 51. A method as in claim 50 wherein L=N and forming a second plurality of N×N interconnect networks.
 52. A method as in claim 50 where for N<M establishing a plurality of signal carrier groups $\frac{M}{N};$

; establishing a plurality of $\left( \frac{M}{N} \right)^{2}$

N×N interconnect networks to provide connnectivity between M² input signals and M² output signals thereby forming a third, modular interconnect network having M² signal carriers.
 53. A method as in claim 50 wherein the signal carriers comprise one of optical fibers or electrical conductors.
 54. A method as in claim 50 which includes forming the first modular K×K interconnect with K² signal carrying inputs coupled to K² signal carrying outputs.
 55. A method as in claim 54 which includes coupling connectors to the 2K² signal carrying inputs and outputs.
 56. A method as in claim 54 wherein inputs from a plurality of K-wide groups are coupled to corresponding outputs in respective K-wide groups in accordance with input group number. 